This is a lesson about the definition of planet. Learners will use direct vocabulary instruction to learn the new definitions of planet, dwarf planet, and asteroid. The publicity generated by the International Astronomical Union’s definition of...(View More) Pluto as a dwarf planet in 2006 created a teachable moment for schools around the world to consider the definitions of these concepts and how discoveries necessitate a change in the language we use to talk about it.(View Less)

This lesson originally appeared in "The Technology Teacher" and introduces common weather concepts and terminology. Students learn about weather map symbols and are invited to show real weather scenarios by drawing symbols on a map. A base map of...(View More) North America is provided along with weather scenarios that are quoted or adapted from the Los Angeles Times that students can use to create their weather maps. SciJinks is a joint NASA/NOAA educational website targeting middle school-aged children and their educators. It explores weather and Earth science through articles, videos, images, and games.(View Less)